why make this recipe
This rhubarb bars recipe gives bright, tart fruit with a soft curd and a light meringue top. It is not hard to make. The bars taste fresh and sweet. If you like bars with a touch of tang, try chocolate chip cheesecake bars for another easy treat.
introduction
Rhubarb bars have a zesty filling and a crumbly crust. The meringue on top adds a soft, sweet finish. You can make them for family snacks, small parties, or tea time. The recipe uses simple steps and common ingredients.
how to make Rhubarb Bars
- Make the rhubarb filling on the stove until soft and simmered.
- Mix eggs into the warm rhubarb to make a curd.
- Press the crumb crust into the baking dish and bake until light gold.
- Pour the rhubarb curd over the crust and bake again until set.
- Beat egg whites with cream of tartar, add powdered sugar and vanilla, then spread the meringue over the baked bars and bake until the top is golden.
- Cool fully, then slice into bars.
Ingredients :
- 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar for crust
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for meringue
- 4 egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- In a saucepan, combine rhubarb, 1 cup sugar, ginger, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until rhubarb is soft.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the 3 eggs. Stir the eggs into the warm rhubarb mixture to make a curd. Set aside.
- For the crust, mix 1 cup flour and 1/2 cup sugar with the softened butter until crumbly. Press the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Pour the rhubarb curd over the crust and return to the oven for another 15–20 minutes.
- For the meringue, beat the 4 egg whites with 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla, beating until glossy.
- Spread the meringue over the top of the baked bars and bake until the meringue is golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars and serve.
how to serve Rhubarb Bars
Serve bars at room temperature or chilled. Cut into squares. You can dust a little powdered sugar on top before serving. These bars pair well with tea or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
how to store Rhubarb Bars
Cover bars and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cut bars in a single layer on a tray. Then wrap or place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
tips to make Rhubarb Bars
- Chop rhubarb small so it cooks evenly.
- Let the rhubarb curd cool slightly before adding eggs to avoid scrambling.
- Press the crust firmly to get an even base.
- Beat egg whites in a clean, dry bowl for better meringue.
- Cool completely before slicing to get neat bars.
variation (if any)
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla to the rhubarb curd for extra flavor.
- Mix a handful of chopped strawberries with rhubarb for a sweeter filling.
- Replace ginger with a pinch of cinnamon if you prefer a milder spice.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen rhubarb?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.
Q: Can I skip the meringue?
A: Yes. You can leave them as rhubarb curd bars or top with a crumble instead.
Q: Why did my meringue weep?
A: If the bars were still warm, the meringue can weep. Make sure the filling is cool before adding meringue.
Q: How do I get a crisp crust?
A: Press the crust well and bake until lightly golden before adding the filling.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust to make it gluten-free.
Rhubarb Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bright and tart rhubarb bars with a soft curd and a light meringue top, perfect for family snacks and tea time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar for crust
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for meringue
- 4 egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Combine rhubarb, 1 cup sugar, ginger, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until rhubarb is soft.
- Whisk the 3 eggs in a separate bowl. Stir them into the warm rhubarb mixture to make a curd. Set aside.
- Mix 1 cup flour and 1/2 cup sugar with the softened butter until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Pour the rhubarb curd over the crust and return to the oven for another 15–20 minutes.
- Beat the 4 egg whites with 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla, beating until glossy.
- Spread the meringue over the top of the baked bars and bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars and serve.
Notes
Serve at room temperature or chilled, can dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg